Gay-Friendly Doctors in Los Angeles

July 23, 2017

4 minute read

For decades, California has been one of the key battleground states in the fight for LGBTQ rights. And like San Francisco, Los Angeles has become one of the most important gay cities in America. It’s home to high-profile gay organizations like Equality California and The Trevor Project, and gay media companies (i.e. The Los Angeles Blade and Here Media). With such rich LGBTQ culture, one would think L.A. is brimming with gay-friendly medical care. However, it can be difficult to find a care provider who understands the unique needs of the community and provides an inclusive environment. If you’re in search of a new general practitioner or specialist, the following 7 doctors are your best bet.

Joseph T. DeFoto, MD

Image Source: socalmenshealth.com/the-physicians

Dr. Joseph T. DeFoto has been a fixture on the gay healthcare scene for years. He worked for the Gay and Lesbian Center’s Primary Care and HIV Practice in 1998. He spent 5 years there before moving on to Tower Infectious Disease. He joined the SoCal Mens Medical Group (SoCal MMG) in 2008. SoCal MMG is a specialty medical group that focuses on holistic care and has become a haven for the city’s gay patients. Despite a stellar team of several physicians, DeFoto stands out as one of the best. “I felt that his knowledge was geared toward the gay man. Best decision I’ve made this year,” writes DeOtis T., a Yelp user who recently made the transition to SoCal MMG. Other patients rave that he’s empathetic, patient, and easy on the eyes. Not a bad combination.

Koppany Visnyei, MD, PHD

Image Source: yelp.com

Dr. Koppany Visnyei, more affectionately known as Dr. V, offers a private practice located in Olympia Medical Plaza. In addition to thorough primary care, he specializes in LGBTQ men’s health, HIV treatment, and PrEP. Plus, the modern doc understands his patients’ need for convenience. He utilizes a mobile app for communication, processes lab tests on-site, and even provides same-day appointments. For those who’ve already discovered Dr. V, they’re blown away. “Kind, caring, incredibly smart and asks good questions. Super attentive and really listens. Our community is lucky to have him,” writes Dee P., in a comprehensive Yelp review. Dr. V isn’t just another L.A. doctor—he’s a key fixture on the front lines of gay health.

Thomas Lee Horowitz, DO

Image Source: thomashorowitz.com

Though Dr. Horowitz doesn’t focus solely on our community, he’s become a favorite of gay patients for his relationship-based approach. With an impressive balance of sharp wit, concern, and unparalleled knowledge, his office has become one of the most inclusive medical spaces in the city. “Dr. Horowitz also may moonlight on the side as a comedian. He had me laughing hysterically within ten minutes on top of his extremely informative and comprehensive service,” writes Yelp user M. B. Dr. Horowitz is also very accessible, taking appointments at three locations during the week: Good Samaritan Hospital, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and St. Vincent Medical Center.

Michael Seibert, MD

Image Source: socialmenshealth.com

Dr. Seibert is also a highly-revered member of the SoCal MMG team. The award-winning doctor completed his residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he still serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor. What stands out about Dr. Seibert’s care is his focus on accuracy. His patients believe there’s no better doctor out there when it comes to men’s health issues. “He takes his time and really gets to know you as a human being. I felt like he listened and gave me useful information I didn’t already know,” writes Daniel W. on Yelp. Patient after patient raves about his thoughtful and thorough approach to healthcare and his friendly demeanor.

Charles J. Skiba, DO

Image Source: yelp.com

Dr. Skiba got his start after earning his medical degree from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Since 2003, he has specialized not only in family medicine but also physical rehabilitation. Like many of the doctors on this list, his longtime patients praise him for taking the time to answer their questions and explain their diagnoses completely. “I like the no BS and direct approach and that he’s very fluent/knowledgeable in gay men’s health issues and extremely fluent with his diagnostics,” writes Jeremy S. In a sea of doctors that seem to favor fast, impersonal service, Dr. Skiba stands out for his honest and helpful take on care.

Michael Sampson, MD

Image Source: yelp.com

Dr. Sampson is one of L.A.’s resident experts on men’s health as well as general internal medicine and HIV treatment. Located in Hollywood, his office provides a wide array of primary care services on-site, including infusions, screenings, and dermatology assessments. He also offers in-patient care for several procedures, and he’s an AAHIVM-certified HIV specialist, which enables him to provide extensive care for HIV+ patients. Dustin G. writes, “He is so knowledgeable when it comes to men’s issues as well as issues within the gay men’s community. I’m so glad I found him.” For gay men searching for a new general practitioner, Dr. Sampson more than fits the bill.

Helen Rostamloo, MD

Image Source: yelp.com

Dr. Rostamloo practices at the Glendale Internal Medicine Center. Her approach to medicine isn’t just diagnostic—it’s truly holistic. When she consults with her patients, she offers counsel on lifestyle changes. She also aims to get all patients in the door either the same day or next day. She’s accessible and understands that treating one condition requires adjusting everything you put in or do to your body. Steve D. raves, “She is awesome, if you are a [HIV] negative gay male, or anyone, she would be a great primary care physician. I’ve worked in the medical field for over 30 years and she is the type of physician that is top on my list.” From the LGBTQ community to the medical community, Dr. Rostamloo is a popular choice.